My Favorite Story: The Prodigal Son | Mark Henry

Good morning, fellowship. Good morning, fellowship. And it's great to have everybody And it's great to have everybody And it's great to have everybody together on this uh July 4th weekend. together on this uh July 4th weekend. together on this uh July 4th weekend. Want to welcome uh those of you that are Want to welcome uh those of you that are Want to welcome uh those of you that are normally with us uh in the chapel. Uh normally with us uh in the chapel. Uh normally with us uh in the chapel. Uh those uh elementary 56 kids uh those of those uh elementary 56 kids uh those of those uh elementary 56 kids uh those of you that may even be joining us online you that may even be joining us online you that may even be joining us online this holiday weekend. Thanks for being this holiday weekend. Thanks for being this holiday weekend. Thanks for being here. We're so glad uh to have everybody here. We're so glad uh to have everybody here. We're so glad uh to have everybody together today. Uh if you're new to us, together today. Uh if you're new to us, together today. Uh if you're new to us, my name is Mark. I'm one of the teaching my name is Mark. I'm one of the teaching my name is Mark. I'm one of the teaching pastors here. If you're a guest with us pastors here. If you're a guest with us pastors here. If you're a guest with us or maybe you're just exploring uh faith, or maybe you're just exploring uh faith, or maybe you're just exploring uh faith, man, I want to give you a special man, I want to give you a special man, I want to give you a special welcome today. We're so glad uh that welcome today. We're so glad uh that welcome today. We're so glad uh that you're with us. The very best way to you're with us. The very best way to you're with us. The very best way to connect with us and take your next step connect with us and take your next step connect with us and take your next step here at Fellowship is to drop by the here at Fellowship is to drop by the here at Fellowship is to drop by the connection center uh after the service connection center uh after the service connection center uh after the service today. So, let me encourage you to do today. So, let me encourage you to do today. So, let me encourage you to do that. We'd love to get to know you and that. We'd love to get to know you and that. We'd love to get to know you and help you take that step today. Well, help you take that step today. Well, help you take that step today. Well, this summer we are in a special series this summer we are in a special series this summer we are in a special series that we're calling My Favorite Story. Uh that we're calling My Favorite Story. Uh that we're calling My Favorite Story. Uh we've asked each one of our pastors or we've asked each one of our pastors or we've asked each one of our pastors or some of our pastors to pick uh their some of our pastors to pick uh their some of our pastors to pick uh their favorite story or one of their favorite favorite story or one of their favorite favorite story or one of their favorite stories in the Bible and to teach that stories in the Bible and to teach that stories in the Bible and to teach that uh to the church. And so my favorite uh to the church. And so my favorite uh to the church. And so my favorite story or at least one of my favorite story or at least one of my favorite story or at least one of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of the stories in the Bible is the story of the stories in the Bible is the story of the prodigal son that is found in Luke prodigal son that is found in Luke prodigal son that is found in Luke chapter 15. So, let me encourage you if chapter 15. So, let me encourage you if chapter 15. So, let me encourage you if you've got a Bible or a Bible app, you've got a Bible or a Bible app, you've got a Bible or a Bible app, however you like to maybe follow along, however you like to maybe follow along, however you like to maybe follow along, join me in Luke chapter 15 for my uh join me in Luke chapter 15 for my uh join me in Luke chapter 15 for my uh favorite story, the prodigal son.

favorite story, the prodigal son. favorite story, the prodigal son. Uh, one of the greatest uh painters in Uh, one of the greatest uh painters in Uh, one of the greatest uh painters in the world is a guy named Rimbrandt. the world is a guy named Rimbrandt. the world is a guy named Rimbrandt. And, uh, when he was in his early 30s, And, uh, when he was in his early 30s, And, uh, when he was in his early 30s, uh, he painted a picture of this story uh, he painted a picture of this story uh, he painted a picture of this story about the prodigal son. I'll put it up about the prodigal son. I'll put it up about the prodigal son. I'll put it up here on the screen for you to see. And here on the screen for you to see. And here on the screen for you to see. And as you look at that painting, you can as you look at that painting, you can as you look at that painting, you can see that the prodigal son is having the see that the prodigal son is having the see that the prodigal son is having the time of his life. Uh smiling, raising up time of his life. Uh smiling, raising up time of his life. Uh smiling, raising up a glass, rejoicing in the newfound, uh a glass, rejoicing in the newfound, uh a glass, rejoicing in the newfound, uh freedom and excitement of the life that freedom and excitement of the life that freedom and excitement of the life that he now enjoys. Looks like maybe he's in he now enjoys. Looks like maybe he's in he now enjoys. Looks like maybe he's in a brothel there. What's interesting when a brothel there. What's interesting when a brothel there. What's interesting when you look at this picture is that you look at this picture is that you look at this picture is that Rembrandt actually painted his own face Rembrandt actually painted his own face Rembrandt actually painted his own face on the prodigal, which I think is a real powerful which I think is a real powerful reminder to us reminder to us reminder to us because I think so often when we come to because I think so often when we come to because I think so often when we come to this story, this story, this story, we think this story about the prodigal we think this story about the prodigal we think this story about the prodigal son is for someone else, son is for someone else, son is for someone else, maybe somebody we know that needs to maybe somebody we know that needs to maybe somebody we know that needs to listen to the story to hear this story.

listen to the story to hear this story. listen to the story to hear this story. But in reality, this is your story. But in reality, this is your story. But in reality, this is your story. This is my story. This is my story. This is my story. The reality is that we all The reality is that we all The reality is that we all are prodigals. are prodigals. are prodigals. We're all prodigals in need of God's We're all prodigals in need of God's We're all prodigals in need of God's grace and forgiveness, right? grace and forgiveness, right? grace and forgiveness, right? Every single one of us. were the prodigal were the prodigal in this story. in this story. in this story. What's interesting is later on in his What's interesting is later on in his What's interesting is later on in his life, Rimbrandt life, Rimbrandt life, Rimbrandt painted a second painting painted a second painting painted a second painting of this story. of this story. of this story. And the second painting is very And the second painting is very And the second painting is very different than the first. You can see it different than the first. You can see it different than the first. You can see it up here. And with the second painting, up here. And with the second painting, up here. And with the second painting, you see the the wewarded son, the you see the the wewarded son, the you see the the wewarded son, the prodigal son kneeling there, contrite. prodigal son kneeling there, contrite. prodigal son kneeling there, contrite. But the emphasis in this painting is But the emphasis in this painting is But the emphasis in this painting is really on the father. And you see the really on the father. And you see the really on the father. And you see the the mercy, the compassion, the love that the mercy, the compassion, the love that the mercy, the compassion, the love that the father is showing to his son who's the father is showing to his son who's the father is showing to his son who's finally come home. What's interesting finally come home. What's interesting finally come home. What's interesting about this about this about this art experts argue that this might be art experts argue that this might be art experts argue that this might be Rimbrandt's last painting that we he Rimbrandt's last painting that we he Rimbrandt's last painting that we he did. It's his most famous painting about did. It's his most famous painting about did. It's his most famous painting about this particular story. Uh but one of the this particular story. Uh but one of the this particular story. Uh but one of the interesting things is notice that he did interesting things is notice that he did interesting things is notice that he did not paint his face on this prodigal not paint his face on this prodigal not paint his face on this prodigal and experts speculate that the reason he and experts speculate that the reason he and experts speculate that the reason he did that is he's inviting us into the

did that is he's inviting us into the did that is he's inviting us into the story. story. story. He wants us to see ourselves He wants us to see ourselves He wants us to see ourselves as the prodal. as the prodal. as the prodal. He wants us to see our own need for He wants us to see our own need for He wants us to see our own need for God's amazing love. God's amazing love. God's amazing love. Because the story of the prodigal son is Because the story of the prodigal son is Because the story of the prodigal son is really the story of every human who's really the story of every human who's really the story of every human who's ever lived in human history. ever lived in human history. ever lived in human history. It's it's the story of our It's it's the story of our It's it's the story of our relationship with God. And I think sometimes when we come to And I think sometimes when we come to this story in Luke 15, this parable, we this story in Luke 15, this parable, we this story in Luke 15, this parable, we assume that it's about the prodigal son, assume that it's about the prodigal son, assume that it's about the prodigal son, but it's actually about the father. but it's actually about the father. but it's actually about the father. He's the hero in this story. In fact, He's the hero in this story. In fact, He's the hero in this story. In fact, the father is mentioned 12 times in the father is mentioned 12 times in the father is mentioned 12 times in these verses that we're going to look at these verses that we're going to look at these verses that we're going to look at here in just a moment. I think it's a here in just a moment. I think it's a here in just a moment. I think it's a powerful reminder to us that the son, powerful reminder to us that the son, powerful reminder to us that the son, the story of the prodigal son is about the story of the prodigal son is about the story of the prodigal son is about the extravagant love that God has for the extravagant love that God has for the extravagant love that God has for us.

us. us. That's what this story is about. I want That's what this story is about. I want That's what this story is about. I want to stop here just for a moment. If you to stop here just for a moment. If you to stop here just for a moment. If you don't hear anything else that I say from don't hear anything else that I say from don't hear anything else that I say from this point forward, I want you to hear this point forward, I want you to hear this point forward, I want you to hear this. God has an extravagant love for this. God has an extravagant love for this. God has an extravagant love for you. you. you. No matter who you are, No matter who you are, No matter who you are, no matter what you've done, no matter no matter what you've done, no matter no matter what you've done, no matter what your past may be, God has a deep, what your past may be, God has a deep, what your past may be, God has a deep, wide, vast love for you and for me. wide, vast love for you and for me. wide, vast love for you and for me. And Jesus is going to tell this parable And Jesus is going to tell this parable And Jesus is going to tell this parable to show us the magnitude of God's love. to show us the magnitude of God's love. to show us the magnitude of God's love. So let's look at this famous parable So let's look at this famous parable So let's look at this famous parable together. It's in Luke 15 verse 11. But together. It's in Luke 15 verse 11. But together. It's in Luke 15 verse 11. But before we read the story, let's get a before we read the story, let's get a before we read the story, let's get a little bit of context. I mean, why is little bit of context. I mean, why is little bit of context. I mean, why is Jesus even telling this parable in the Jesus even telling this parable in the Jesus even telling this parable in the first place? Look at the first two first place? Look at the first two first place? Look at the first two verses there in chapter 15. We're told verses there in chapter 15. We're told verses there in chapter 15. We're told this. It says, "Now the tax collectors this. It says, "Now the tax collectors this. It says, "Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to and sinners were all drawing near to and sinners were all drawing near to him, him being Jesus, and the Pharisees him, him being Jesus, and the Pharisees him, him being Jesus, and the Pharisees and the scribes, that's the religious and the scribes, that's the religious and the scribes, that's the religious leaders of the day, they're grumbling, leaders of the day, they're grumbling, leaders of the day, they're grumbling, saying, "This man receives sinners and saying, "This man receives sinners and saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." And so the religious eats with them." And so the religious eats with them." And so the religious leaders of the day, they're upset.

leaders of the day, they're upset. leaders of the day, they're upset. They're angry because this holy man, They're angry because this holy man, They're angry because this holy man, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, has the audacity to to hang out with has the audacity to to hang out with has the audacity to to hang out with sinners. Not just to hang out with them, sinners. Not just to hang out with them, sinners. Not just to hang out with them, but to fellowship with them, to even eat but to fellowship with them, to even eat but to fellowship with them, to even eat with them. And so Jesus is going to tell with them. And so Jesus is going to tell with them. And so Jesus is going to tell this parable to to say to the religious this parable to to say to the religious this parable to to say to the religious leaders, to say to us that that they leaders, to say to us that that they leaders, to say to us that that they have grossly misunderstood the love of have grossly misunderstood the love of have grossly misunderstood the love of God. God. God. And so he's not going to just tell one And so he's not going to just tell one And so he's not going to just tell one parable to show the the magnitude of parable to show the the magnitude of parable to show the the magnitude of God's love, the extravagance of his God's love, the extravagance of his God's love, the extravagance of his love. He's actually going to tell three love. He's actually going to tell three love. He's actually going to tell three parables. parables. parables. He talks about a lost coin. He talks about a lost coin. He talks about a lost coin. He talks about a lost sheep. And then He talks about a lost sheep. And then He talks about a lost sheep. And then the pinnacle story to drive home this the pinnacle story to drive home this the pinnacle story to drive home this point about just how incredible and vast point about just how incredible and vast point about just how incredible and vast and extravagant God's love really is. He and extravagant God's love really is. He and extravagant God's love really is. He talks about a lost son which is where we talks about a lost son which is where we talks about a lost son which is where we pick this parable up together starting pick this parable up together starting pick this parable up together starting in verse 11.

in verse 11. in verse 11. And Jesus says this, "And he said, there And Jesus says this, "And he said, there And Jesus says this, "And he said, there was a man who had two sons." And the was a man who had two sons." And the was a man who had two sons." And the younger of them said to his father, younger of them said to his father, younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of property "Father, give me the share of property "Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me." And he divided that is coming to me." And he divided that is coming to me." And he divided his property between them. Not many days his property between them. Not many days his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he later, the younger son gathered all he later, the younger son gathered all he had, took a journey into a far country, had, took a journey into a far country, had, took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in and there he squandered his property in and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent reckless living. And when he had spent reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in everything, a severe famine arose in everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in that country, and he began to be in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out need. So he went and hired himself out need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, to one of the citizens of that country, to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the who sent him into his fields to feed the who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. And he was longing to be fed with pigs. And he was longing to be fed with pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate. And no one the pods that the pigs ate. And no one the pods that the pigs ate. And no one gave him anything. gave him anything. gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, But when he came to himself, he said, But when he came to himself, he said, "How many of my father's hired servants "How many of my father's hired servants "How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I have more than enough bread, but I have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger? I will arise. perish here with hunger? I will arise. perish here with hunger? I will arise. Go to my father and I will say to him, Go to my father and I will say to him, Go to my father and I will say to him, Father, I've sinned against heaven and Father, I've sinned against heaven and Father, I've sinned against heaven and before you. I'm no longer worthy to be before you. I'm no longer worthy to be before you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your called your son. Treat me as one of your called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants." And he arose and came hired servants." And he arose and came hired servants." And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a to his father. But while he was still a to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and long way off, his father saw him and long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him felt compassion and ran and embraced him felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, and kissed him. And the son said to him, and kissed him. And the son said to him, "Father, I've sinned against heaven and "Father, I've sinned against heaven and "Father, I've sinned against heaven and before you. I'm no longer worthy to be before you. I'm no longer worthy to be before you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son." But the father said to called your son." But the father said to called your son." But the father said to his servants, "Bring quickly the best his servants, "Bring quickly the best his servants, "Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on robe and put it on him. Put a ring on robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, shoes on his feet, and bring his hand, shoes on his feet, and bring his hand, shoes on his feet, and bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us

the fattened calf and kill it. Let us the fattened calf and kill it. Let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was eat and celebrate. For this my son was eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and dead and is alive again. He was lost and dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found. And they began to celebrate. is found. And they began to celebrate. is found. And they began to celebrate. Now his older son was in the field, and Now his older son was in the field, and Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, as he came and drew near to the house, as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he he heard music and dancing. And he he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked called one of the servants and asked called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to what these things meant. And he said to what these things meant. And he said to him, "Your brother has come. Your father him, "Your brother has come. Your father him, "Your brother has come. Your father has killed the fattened calf because has killed the fattened calf because has killed the fattened calf because he's received him back safe and sound." he's received him back safe and sound." he's received him back safe and sound." But the older son was angry and refused But the older son was angry and refused But the older son was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and to go in. His father came out and to go in. His father came out and entreated him. But he answered his entreated him. But he answered his entreated him. But he answered his father, "Look, these many years I've father, "Look, these many years I've father, "Look, these many years I've served you. I've never disobeyed your served you. I've never disobeyed your served you. I've never disobeyed your command, and yet you never gave me a command, and yet you never gave me a command, and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might celebrate with young goat that I might celebrate with young goat that I might celebrate with my friends." But when this son of yours my friends." But when this son of yours my friends." But when this son of yours came who has devoured your property with came who has devoured your property with came who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened prostitutes, you killed the fattened prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him. And he said to him, "Son, calf for him. And he said to him, "Son, calf for him. And he said to him, "Son, you're always with me, and all that is you're always with me, and all that is you're always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to mine is yours. It was fitting to mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad. For this your celebrate and be glad. For this your celebrate and be glad. For this your brother was dead and is alive. He was brother was dead and is alive. He was brother was dead and is alive. He was lost and he is found.

lost and he is found. lost and he is found. Now let's remember why Jesus is telling Now let's remember why Jesus is telling Now let's remember why Jesus is telling this parable, this story in the first this parable, this story in the first this parable, this story in the first place. Because the religious leaders in place. Because the religious leaders in place. Because the religious leaders in Jesus day are asking the question of Jesus day are asking the question of Jesus day are asking the question of Jesus. They're upset, why are you eating Jesus. They're upset, why are you eating Jesus. They're upset, why are you eating with sinners? and and Jesus is wanting them to and and Jesus is wanting them to understand and to see the vastness of understand and to see the vastness of understand and to see the vastness of God's love [snorts] God's love [snorts] God's love [snorts] that the magnitude of God's love that that the magnitude of God's love that that the magnitude of God's love that that that God is always looking always that that God is always looking always that that God is always looking always searching for the lost searching for the lost searching for the lost hoping that they will be found that he hoping that they will be found that he hoping that they will be found that he has a a an an unchanging love has a a an an unchanging love has a a an an unchanging love for his son. for his son. for his son. And so what we're going to do is we're And so what we're going to do is we're And so what we're going to do is we're going to look at this story, as you can going to look at this story, as you can going to look at this story, as you can tell there on your outline, in four tell there on your outline, in four tell there on your outline, in four parts. And these four parts really parts. And these four parts really parts. And these four parts really parallel our own relationship with God. parallel our own relationship with God. parallel our own relationship with God. And the first part is this. The first And the first part is this. The first And the first part is this. The first part is that we have reckless sin.

part is that we have reckless sin. part is that we have reckless sin. And remember what I said earlier. We're And remember what I said earlier. We're And remember what I said earlier. We're we're just like the prodigal. we're just like the prodigal. we're just like the prodigal. And look how the story of the prodigal And look how the story of the prodigal And look how the story of the prodigal starts. Verse 13 again says, "Not many starts. Verse 13 again says, "Not many starts. Verse 13 again says, "Not many days later, the younger son gathered all days later, the younger son gathered all days later, the younger son gathered all he had. He took a journey into a far he had. He took a journey into a far he had. He took a journey into a far away country, and there he squandered away country, and there he squandered away country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living." And his property in reckless living." And his property in reckless living." And when he had spent everything, a severe when he had spent everything, a severe when he had spent everything, a severe famine came across in the country, and famine came across in the country, and famine came across in the country, and he began to be in need. So he went and he began to be in need. So he went and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens hired himself out to one of the citizens hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into the of that country, who sent him into the of that country, who sent him into the field to feed pigs. And he was longing field to feed pigs. And he was longing field to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs to be fed with the pods that the pigs to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate. But no one gave him anything. Verse ate. But no one gave him anything. Verse ate. But no one gave him anything. Verse 17, but when he came to himself, he 17, but when he came to himself, he 17, but when he came to himself, he said, "How many of my father's servants said, "How many of my father's servants said, "How many of my father's servants have more than enough bread, but I have more than enough bread, but I have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger. I'll arise. Go perish here with hunger. I'll arise. Go perish here with hunger. I'll arise. Go to my father, and I'll say to him, to my father, and I'll say to him, to my father, and I'll say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven and father, I have sinned against heaven and father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I'm no longer worthy to be before you. I'm no longer worthy to be before you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your called your son. Treat me as one of your called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants." So the first thing this hired servants." So the first thing this hired servants." So the first thing this young son does young son does young son does when he receives his early inheritance, when he receives his early inheritance, when he receives his early inheritance, he gathers it together and he leaves the he gathers it together and he leaves the he gathers it together and he leaves the house.

house. house. He leaves the the confines of his He leaves the the confines of his He leaves the the confines of his family. family. family. He he left the restraints of his father. He he left the restraints of his father. He he left the restraints of his father. And what's interesting is he didn't just And what's interesting is he didn't just And what's interesting is he didn't just go to the next town go to the next town go to the next town where somebody might know him. We're where somebody might know him. We're where somebody might know him. We're told he went to a faraway told he went to a faraway told he went to a faraway country country country where he could be anonymous. where he could be anonymous. where he could be anonymous. He went into the darkness where no one He went into the darkness where no one He went into the darkness where no one could see him do the things that he could see him do the things that he could see him do the things that he always wanted to do. He was like a always wanted to do. He was like a always wanted to do. He was like a sailor on shore leave with a pocket full sailor on shore leave with a pocket full sailor on shore leave with a pocket full of money. of money. of money. He He had no restraint and he chased He He had no restraint and he chased He He had no restraint and he chased after sin with parties and excitement. after sin with parties and excitement. after sin with parties and excitement. and freedom. Verse 13 really sums it up and freedom. Verse 13 really sums it up and freedom. Verse 13 really sums it up best. Jesus says it this way. He lived best. Jesus says it this way. He lived best. Jesus says it this way. He lived recklessly. Do you see that? Circle that recklessly. Do you see that? Circle that recklessly. Do you see that? Circle that in your Bible. He lived recklessly.

in your Bible. He lived recklessly. in your Bible. He lived recklessly. The truth is that we're all just like The truth is that we're all just like The truth is that we're all just like the prodigal the prodigal the prodigal in that we in that we in that we are are are and have and have and have lived recklessly. lived recklessly. lived recklessly. All of us are prone to wander. All of us are prone to wander. All of us are prone to wander. We we are quick to leave the God that we We we are quick to leave the God that we We we are quick to leave the God that we say that we love say that we love say that we love and we have lived recklessly just like and we have lived recklessly just like and we have lived recklessly just like the prodigal. the prodigal. the prodigal. All of us are guilty of sin against our All of us are guilty of sin against our All of us are guilty of sin against our father. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have father. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have father. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of sinned and fallen short of the glory of sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Uh later on the apostle Paul adds God." Uh later on the apostle Paul adds God." Uh later on the apostle Paul adds color commentary to this idea that that color commentary to this idea that that color commentary to this idea that that all of us are are prodigals and have all of us are are prodigals and have all of us are are prodigals and have lived recklessly when in Ephesians 2 he lived recklessly when in Ephesians 2 he lived recklessly when in Ephesians 2 he says it this way and you were dead in says it this way and you were dead in says it this way and you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you the trespasses and sins in which you the trespasses and sins in which you once walked following the course of this once walked following the course of this once walked following the course of this world following the prince of the power world following the prince of the power world following the prince of the power of the air. spirit that is now at work of the air. spirit that is now at work of the air. spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience among whom in the sons of disobedience among whom in the sons of disobedience among whom we all once lived in the passions of our we all once lived in the passions of our we all once lived in the passions of our flesh flesh flesh carrying out the desires of the flesh carrying out the desires of the flesh carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind and were by nature children and the mind and were by nature children and the mind and were by nature children of wrath like the rest of mankind.

of wrath like the rest of mankind. of wrath like the rest of mankind. Maybe that's why Rimbrandt painted his Maybe that's why Rimbrandt painted his Maybe that's why Rimbrandt painted his own face on the prodigal own face on the prodigal own face on the prodigal is he realized is he realized is he realized in reality that he was a sinner like the in reality that he was a sinner like the in reality that he was a sinner like the prodigal and in need of God's grace. prodigal and in need of God's grace. prodigal and in need of God's grace. What's interesting is the reckless What's interesting is the reckless What's interesting is the reckless living of the prodigal eventually led living of the prodigal eventually led living of the prodigal eventually led him where all sin leads us to emptiness him where all sin leads us to emptiness him where all sin leads us to emptiness and brokenness. and brokenness. and brokenness. The money ran out. The money ran out. The money ran out. His friends left him. And this once His friends left him. And this once His friends left him. And this once promising young man was reduced to promising young man was reduced to promising young man was reduced to begging for food. His reckless sin took begging for food. His reckless sin took begging for food. His reckless sin took him to the worst place humanly possible him to the worst place humanly possible him to the worst place humanly possible for a Jewish person. And that was for a Jewish person. And that was for a Jewish person. And that was working with pigs. working with pigs. working with pigs. Pigs were considered to be unclean and Pigs were considered to be unclean and Pigs were considered to be unclean and defiled by the Jews. And this is where defiled by the Jews. And this is where defiled by the Jews. And this is where we find the prodigal in a pigsty we find the prodigal in a pigsty we find the prodigal in a pigsty of his own doing eating pig's food just of his own doing eating pig's food just of his own doing eating pig's food just to survive wondering to himself how in to survive wondering to himself how in to survive wondering to himself how in the world did I ever end up here?

the world did I ever end up here? the world did I ever end up here? And hey, maybe that's you today. Maybe as you look at your marriage Maybe as you look at your marriage that's been turned upside down because that's been turned upside down because that's been turned upside down because of the choices and decisions that you've of the choices and decisions that you've of the choices and decisions that you've made made made and your marriage is in trouble today and your marriage is in trouble today and your marriage is in trouble today because of your own doing. because of your own doing. because of your own doing. Or or maybe it's the control that that Or or maybe it's the control that that Or or maybe it's the control that that that alcohol has on your life or or that alcohol has on your life or or that alcohol has on your life or or drugs or or pornography. Maybe there's a secret sin you've kept Maybe there's a secret sin you've kept hidden and it's got you trapped in hidden and it's got you trapped in hidden and it's got you trapped in darkness and it's eating you alive in darkness and it's eating you alive in darkness and it's eating you alive in your own way. You feel stuck in the your own way. You feel stuck in the your own way. You feel stuck in the pigsty of your own reckless sin, pigsty of your own reckless sin, pigsty of your own reckless sin, wondering if there's any way out. And wondering if there's any way out. And wondering if there's any way out. And friends, the good news [snorts] is that friends, the good news [snorts] is that friends, the good news [snorts] is that God has never stopped loving you. God has never stopped loving you. God has never stopped loving you. Never never stopped looking for you. Never never stopped looking for you. Never never stopped looking for you. never stopped longing for you to return never stopped longing for you to return never stopped longing for you to return home. He loves you even in your sin.

home. He loves you even in your sin. home. He loves you even in your sin. Romans 5:8 says it this way. But God Romans 5:8 says it this way. But God Romans 5:8 says it this way. But God demonstrates his love for us in that demonstrates his love for us in that demonstrates his love for us in that while we were yet still sinners. while we were yet still sinners. while we were yet still sinners. Still trapped in our reckless living, Still trapped in our reckless living, Still trapped in our reckless living, Christ died for us. Christ died for us. Christ died for us. Man, Man, Man, God has never stopped loving you, never God has never stopped loving you, never God has never stopped loving you, never stopped pursuing you. All you have to do stopped pursuing you. All you have to do stopped pursuing you. All you have to do today is go back to the father today is go back to the father today is go back to the father as we saying run back to the father. as we saying run back to the father. as we saying run back to the father. Man, he's he's looking for you. He's Man, he's he's looking for you. He's Man, he's he's looking for you. He's hoping for you. He's longing for you to hoping for you. He's longing for you to hoping for you. He's longing for you to come home. come home. come home. To come home. To come home. To come home. And man, if you will go home, he will And man, if you will go home, he will And man, if you will go home, he will meet you with love meet you with love meet you with love and forgiveness. and forgiveness. and forgiveness. Which leads us to the second part of the Which leads us to the second part of the Which leads us to the second part of the story. I love this part because this is story. I love this part because this is story. I love this part because this is where our reckless sin meets God's where our reckless sin meets God's where our reckless sin meets God's relentless love. relentless love. relentless love. The second part is that God has a The second part is that God has a The second part is that God has a relentless love for us.

relentless love for us. relentless love for us. Look at verse 20 again. Look at verse 20 again. Look at verse 20 again. Jesus says, "And he arose and came to Jesus says, "And he arose and came to Jesus says, "And he arose and came to his father. And while he was still a his father. And while he was still a his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and long way off, his father saw him and long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him felt compassion and ran and embraced him felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Friends, this is one of the most Friends, this is one of the most profound verses in the whole Bible. Jesus Jesus who who is close to the father is who who is close to the father is who who is close to the father is sharing the heart of the father with us. sharing the heart of the father with us. sharing the heart of the father with us. And he says that God And he says that God And he says that God takes off on a dead sprint towards his takes off on a dead sprint towards his takes off on a dead sprint towards his weward son. weward son. weward son. A and when he gets to his weward son, A and when he gets to his weward son, A and when he gets to his weward son, all he has is is love and compassion all he has is is love and compassion all he has is is love and compassion for his son. for his son. for his son. He He can't contain himself. He He's He He can't contain himself. He He's He He can't contain himself. He He's like LeBron James on a fast break. He like LeBron James on a fast break. He like LeBron James on a fast break. He just takes off.

just takes off. just takes off. AND BACK IN THIS DAY, it was undignified AND BACK IN THIS DAY, it was undignified AND BACK IN THIS DAY, it was undignified for a grown man. And think about just for a grown man. And think about just for a grown man. And think about just the practical part about wearing a robe the practical part about wearing a robe the practical part about wearing a robe to take off running. It was undignified. to take off running. It was undignified. to take off running. It was undignified. And Jesus is saying the father didn't And Jesus is saying the father didn't And Jesus is saying the father didn't care. He doesn't care care. He doesn't care care. He doesn't care about the social norms of the day. What about the social norms of the day. What about the social norms of the day. What he cares is the son that he loves so he cares is the son that he loves so he cares is the son that he loves so much has finally come home. much has finally come home. much has finally come home. And that's God's heart for you. And that's God's heart for you. And that's God's heart for you. That's how much God That's how much God That's how much God loves you. Man, I got a taste of this back in 1994. Man, I got a taste of this back in 1994. I was at a house with a large group I was at a house with a large group I was at a house with a large group and we were watching the and we were watching the and we were watching the 1994 1994 1994 National Championship basketball game. It was Arkansas versus Duke It was Arkansas versus Duke and and the final buzzer went off and and the final buzzer went off and and the final buzzer went off and Arkansas won the game.

and Arkansas won the game. and Arkansas won the game. And I'm going to tell you, everybody in And I'm going to tell you, everybody in And I'm going to tell you, everybody in that house was undignified. We were we were running. We were picking We were we were running. We were picking each other up. We were crowd surfing. We each other up. We were crowd surfing. We each other up. We were crowd surfing. We couldn't believe it. There was so much couldn't believe it. There was so much couldn't believe it. There was so much excitement, enthusiasm, and joy in that excitement, enthusiasm, and joy in that excitement, enthusiasm, and joy in that room. And that's the way And that's the way God feels every single time a sinner God feels every single time a sinner God feels every single time a sinner finally comes home. Friend, what's keeping you from coming Friend, what's keeping you from coming to the father today? to the father today? to the father today? He loves you. He's looking for you. He's He loves you. He's looking for you. He's He loves you. He's looking for you. He's waiting for you. His love for you is waiting for you. His love for you is waiting for you. His love for you is relentless. relentless. relentless. I It will never change. No matter who I It will never change. No matter who I It will never change. No matter who you are, no matter what your background you are, no matter what your background you are, no matter what your background is, is, is, he's looking. He's waiting. All you have he's looking. He's waiting. All you have he's looking. He's waiting. All you have to do is to come home. And here's the to do is to come home. And here's the to do is to come home. And here's the thing. It's unbelievable. When you thing. It's unbelievable. When you thing. It's unbelievable. When you finally do come home and you come back finally do come home and you come back finally do come home and you come back to the father, what he meets you with is to the father, what he meets you with is to the father, what he meets you with is forgiveness.

forgiveness. forgiveness. And not just any kind of forgiveness. And not just any kind of forgiveness. And not just any kind of forgiveness. He meets us with endless forgiveness. He meets us with endless forgiveness. He meets us with endless forgiveness. Endless forgiveness, which is really the Endless forgiveness, which is really the Endless forgiveness, which is really the third part of this story, that God has third part of this story, that God has third part of this story, that God has endless forgiveness for us. I love when endless forgiveness for us. I love when endless forgiveness for us. I love when the father finally gets to his son. A the father finally gets to his son. A the father finally gets to his son. A and maybe you caught it the first time and maybe you caught it the first time and maybe you caught it the first time we read through it. It says, what does we read through it. It says, what does we read through it. It says, what does the father do when he finally gets to the father do when he finally gets to the father do when he finally gets to his son? It says he embraces and kisses his son? It says he embraces and kisses his son? It says he embraces and kisses him. Do you see that in verse 20? There's no punishment given out. There's no punishment given out. There's no pokes in the chest. There's no pokes in the chest. There's no pokes in the chest. There's no I told you so. There's no I told you so. There's no I told you so. Here's the thing. There's no lectures. Here's the thing. There's no lectures. Here's the thing. There's no lectures. When my kids were teenagers, I would When my kids were teenagers, I would When my kids were teenagers, I would lecture them, lecture them, lecture them, right? No condemning looks, right? No condemning looks, right? No condemning looks, no judgment. no judgment. no judgment. The father meets his weward sinful The father meets his weward sinful The father meets his weward sinful son son son with grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Unbelievable. And he does so in the form Unbelievable. And he does so in the form of hugs and kisses. of hugs and kisses. of hugs and kisses. See, the prodigal eventually turned away See, the prodigal eventually turned away See, the prodigal eventually turned away from his reckless living. And we call from his reckless living. And we call from his reckless living. And we call that repentance. that repentance. that repentance. That's what we call that. and he came to That's what we call that. and he came to That's what we call that. and he came to his father and what he experienced was his father and what he experienced was his father and what he experienced was forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. Forgiveness of sins is the only way into Forgiveness of sins is the only way into Forgiveness of sins is the only way into a relationship with God. a relationship with God. a relationship with God. You can't get into a relationship with You can't get into a relationship with You can't get into a relationship with God based on your own righteousness or God based on your own righteousness or God based on your own righteousness or good works. good works. good works. The only way to the father The only way to the father The only way to the father is through the path of forgiveness. And is through the path of forgiveness. And is through the path of forgiveness. And forgiveness is only found forgiveness is only found forgiveness is only found in Jesus. That's how you get to the in Jesus. That's how you get to the in Jesus. That's how you get to the father. father. father. It's through the forgiveness of sins. It's through the forgiveness of sins. It's through the forgiveness of sins. And that comes when you put your faith And that comes when you put your faith And that comes when you put your faith in Jesus. And the good news is that no in Jesus. And the good news is that no in Jesus. And the good news is that no matter who you are or what you've done matter who you are or what you've done matter who you are or what you've done or what your past may be or not be, or what your past may be or not be, or what your past may be or not be, there is always endless forgiveness with there is always endless forgiveness with there is always endless forgiveness with God. God. God. I I love the words of the psalmist in I I love the words of the psalmist in I I love the words of the psalmist in Psalm 103:12. He says it this way, Psalm 103:12. He says it this way, Psalm 103:12. He says it this way, speaking about forgiveness. He says, "As speaking about forgiveness. He says, "As speaking about forgiveness. He says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far far as the east is from the west, so far far as the east is from the west, so far does he," talking about the father, does he," talking about the father, does he," talking about the father, "Rove our transgressions from us." This "Rove our transgressions from us." This "Rove our transgressions from us." This is saying that I if you were to somehow is saying that I if you were to somehow is saying that I if you were to somehow try to measure God's forgiveness.

try to measure God's forgiveness. try to measure God's forgiveness. I It's not like from here to Memphis, I It's not like from here to Memphis, I It's not like from here to Memphis, okay, that ain't it. Thank goodness. okay, that ain't it. Thank goodness. okay, that ain't it. Thank goodness. No, it's immeasurable. No, it's immeasurable. No, it's immeasurable. It's endless. It's infinite. from God's It's endless. It's infinite. from God's It's endless. It's infinite. from God's perspective as he looks out is as far as perspective as he looks out is as far as perspective as he looks out is as far as the east is from the west as far as God the east is from the west as far as God the east is from the west as far as God removes our sins from us. removes our sins from us. removes our sins from us. And we can come to the father over and And we can come to the father over and And we can come to the father over and over and over again and find forgiveness over and over again and find forgiveness over and over again and find forgiveness because his forgiveness is endless. It because his forgiveness is endless. It because his forgiveness is endless. It never ends. never ends. never ends. And what's remarkable And what's remarkable And what's remarkable is it doesn't stop there with God. He is it doesn't stop there with God. He is it doesn't stop there with God. He doesn't just forgive us. It's enough doesn't just forgive us. It's enough doesn't just forgive us. It's enough that he would forgive us. God in his that he would forgive us. God in his that he would forgive us. God in his grace does even more grace does even more grace does even more as he goes on here in this story to give as he goes on here in this story to give as he goes on here in this story to give us speechless restoration. us speechless restoration. us speechless restoration. See the fourth and last part of the See the fourth and last part of the See the fourth and last part of the prodigal story is God gives us prodigal story is God gives us prodigal story is God gives us speechless restoration.

speechless restoration. speechless restoration. Look at verse 21 Look at verse 21 Look at verse 21 through 24. It says, "And the son said through 24. It says, "And the son said through 24. It says, "And the son said to him, father, I've sinned against to him, father, I've sinned against to him, father, I've sinned against heaven and before you. I'm no longer heaven and before you. I'm no longer heaven and before you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. But the worthy to be called your son. But the worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, "Bring father said to his servants, "Bring father said to his servants, "Bring quickly the best robe, put it on him, quickly the best robe, put it on him, quickly the best robe, put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, shoes on his and put a ring on his hand, shoes on his and put a ring on his hand, shoes on his feet, and bring the fattened calf, and feet, and bring the fattened calf, and feet, and bring the fattened calf, and kill it. Let us eat and celebrate, for kill it. Let us eat and celebrate, for kill it. Let us eat and celebrate, for this my son was dead and is alive again. this my son was dead and is alive again. this my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found." And they He was lost and is found." And they He was lost and is found." And they began to celebrate. began to celebrate. began to celebrate. I say speechless because I imagine this I say speechless because I imagine this I say speechless because I imagine this son showed up to his father with a son showed up to his father with a son showed up to his father with a speech. speech. speech. He says, "I I I've sinned against you He says, "I I I've sinned against you He says, "I I I've sinned against you and I've sinned against heaven." And and I've sinned against heaven." And and I've sinned against heaven." And it's as if the father stopped him it's as if the father stopped him it's as if the father stopped him mid-sentence. mid-sentence. mid-sentence. He turns and tells his servants to go He turns and tells his servants to go He turns and tells his servants to go prepare for the arrival of his son. prepare for the arrival of his son. prepare for the arrival of his son. And I just have to believe that And I just have to believe that And I just have to believe that sinstained, sinstained, sinstained, wewarded son in that moment was wewarded son in that moment was wewarded son in that moment was speechless at the love and the grace and speechless at the love and the grace and speechless at the love and the grace and the forgiveness that he received from the forgiveness that he received from the forgiveness that he received from his father. But not just that, I have to his father. But not just that, I have to his father. But not just that, I have to believe the servants were speechless, believe the servants were speechless, believe the servants were speechless, too.

too. too. I mean, can you imagine this son who's I mean, can you imagine this son who's I mean, can you imagine this son who's gone out and squandered his life, gone out and squandered his life, gone out and squandered his life, wasted his life, wasted his life, wasted his life, and the father turns to the servants and and the father turns to the servants and and the father turns to the servants and says, "Go prepare all these things. says, "Go prepare all these things. says, "Go prepare all these things. Don't you know they were thinking to Don't you know they were thinking to Don't you know they were thinking to themselves, hey, this son doesn't themselves, hey, this son doesn't themselves, hey, this son doesn't deserve any of this. deserve any of this. deserve any of this. What what's he doing?" What what's he doing?" What what's he doing?" But isn't that a great picture of God's But isn't that a great picture of God's But isn't that a great picture of God's grace to us? grace to us? grace to us? That God gives us everything in Christ That God gives us everything in Christ That God gives us everything in Christ even though we don't deserve it. even though we don't deserve it. even though we don't deserve it. We don't deserve any of it. We don't deserve any of it. We don't deserve any of it. And and how specifically does the father And and how specifically does the father And and how specifically does the father here restore the son? here restore the son? here restore the son? Well, it tells us here the first thing Well, it tells us here the first thing Well, it tells us here the first thing he gives him is what? He gives him the he gives him is what? He gives him the he gives him is what? He gives him the his best robe. You see that in verse 22 his best robe. You see that in verse 22 his best robe. You see that in verse 22 says bring the best robe. says bring the best robe. says bring the best robe. Doesn't say a robe.

Doesn't say a robe. Doesn't say a robe. It says bring the best rope. Now what I It says bring the best rope. Now what I It says bring the best rope. Now what I imagine happening here is that imagine happening here is that imagine happening here is that his son, his son, his son, the prodigal son, is standing before the the prodigal son, is standing before the the prodigal son, is standing before the father. He's worn out. He has squandered father. He's worn out. He has squandered father. He's worn out. He has squandered his life, wasted his life. his life, wasted his life. his life, wasted his life. I would imagine he smells a little bit I would imagine he smells a little bit I would imagine he smells a little bit ripe. ripe. ripe. And keep in mind, he's been in a pigsty, And keep in mind, he's been in a pigsty, And keep in mind, he's been in a pigsty, literally. literally. literally. And the father brings his most And the father brings his most And the father brings his most beautiful, expensive beautiful, expensive beautiful, expensive robe that he has and he puts it over his robe that he has and he puts it over his robe that he has and he puts it over his son. Which by the way, spiritually speaking Which by the way, spiritually speaking is what happens to us when we come to is what happens to us when we come to is what happens to us when we come to faith in Jesus. He puts a beautiful robe, the father He puts a beautiful robe, the father does, the robe of Christ over us. does, the robe of Christ over us. does, the robe of Christ over us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says it this way. For 2 Corinthians 5:21 says it this way. For 2 Corinthians 5:21 says it this way. For our sake, he talking about the father our sake, he talking about the father our sake, he talking about the father made him Jesus to be sin who knew no made him Jesus to be sin who knew no made him Jesus to be sin who knew no sin. So that in him we might become the sin. So that in him we might become the sin. So that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

righteousness of God. righteousness of God. See when we cross the line of faith, See when we cross the line of faith, See when we cross the line of faith, we receive the robe of righteousness we receive the robe of righteousness we receive the robe of righteousness from Christ. from Christ. from Christ. There we stand in our brokenness, in our There we stand in our brokenness, in our There we stand in our brokenness, in our sin. sin. sin. We too have squandered our life in sin We too have squandered our life in sin We too have squandered our life in sin and we come to faith in Jesus and what and we come to faith in Jesus and what and we come to faith in Jesus and what we get is we get the most unbelievable we get is we get the most unbelievable we get is we get the most unbelievable robe cuz we get all of his robe cuz we get all of his robe cuz we get all of his righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. But even more than that, But even more than that, But even more than that, in that moment, Jesus takes our filthy in that moment, Jesus takes our filthy in that moment, Jesus takes our filthy garments, our sin garments, our sin garments, our sin upon himself. And at the cross, he nails them to the And at the cross, he nails them to the cross. And that's why we call that the cross. And that's why we call that the cross. And that's why we call that the great exchange. great exchange. great exchange. Jesus takes on all of our sin and we get Jesus takes on all of our sin and we get Jesus takes on all of our sin and we get all of his righteousness. all of his righteousness. all of his righteousness. I don't know about you, but that makes I don't know about you, but that makes I don't know about you, but that makes me almost speechless.

And we get the robe of righteousness And we get the robe of righteousness through Christ, his righteousness, not through Christ, his righteousness, not through Christ, his righteousness, not our own. our own. our own. The father goes on though not just to The father goes on though not just to The father goes on though not just to give his son the best road. He it all give his son the best road. He it all give his son the best road. He it all we're also told that the father gives we're also told that the father gives we're also told that the father gives his son a ring. his son a ring. his son a ring. Now, a ring was a sign of authority. Now, a ring was a sign of authority. Now, a ring was a sign of authority. A and Jesus has given us as his sons and A and Jesus has given us as his sons and A and Jesus has given us as his sons and daughters authority in his kingdom. daughters authority in his kingdom. daughters authority in his kingdom. Jesus is the king. Never never lose Jesus is the king. Never never lose Jesus is the king. Never never lose sight of that. He's the king, but as his sight of that. He's the king, but as his sight of that. He's the king, but as his sons and daughters, we have authority in sons and daughters, we have authority in sons and daughters, we have authority in his kingdom. And Jesus talked about this his kingdom. And Jesus talked about this his kingdom. And Jesus talked about this in some of his last words in the great in some of his last words in the great in some of his last words in the great commission. Matthew chapter 28. Jesus commission. Matthew chapter 28. Jesus commission. Matthew chapter 28. Jesus said it this way. All authority in said it this way. All authority in said it this way. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to heaven and on earth has been given to heaven and on earth has been given to me. Behold, I am with you to the end of me. Behold, I am with you to the end of me. Behold, I am with you to the end of the age. the age. the age. With Jesus, we get all the authority With Jesus, we get all the authority With Jesus, we get all the authority because we're co-airs with him in his because we're co-airs with him in his because we're co-airs with him in his kingdom. And by the way, when Jesus kingdom. And by the way, when Jesus kingdom. And by the way, when Jesus comes again and he establishes the new comes again and he establishes the new comes again and he establishes the new heaven and the new earth, heaven and the new earth, heaven and the new earth, we will reign and rule with Jesus we will reign and rule with Jesus we will reign and rule with Jesus forever.

forever. forever. Fully realizing the authority that we Fully realizing the authority that we Fully realizing the authority that we have in Christ. We've been given a new have in Christ. We've been given a new have in Christ. We've been given a new righteousness, a new authority. righteousness, a new authority. righteousness, a new authority. And then the father gives his son, And then the father gives his son, And then the father gives his son, notice, sandals or shoes. Now, that notice, sandals or shoes. Now, that notice, sandals or shoes. Now, that feels awfully insignificant to us, feels awfully insignificant to us, feels awfully insignificant to us, but it makes sense when you realize that but it makes sense when you realize that but it makes sense when you realize that a hired servant probably would have been a hired servant probably would have been a hired servant probably would have been barefoot because he or she would not barefoot because he or she would not barefoot because he or she would not been able to afford shoes. And the father is communicating And the father is communicating something here by giving his son shoes. something here by giving his son shoes. something here by giving his son shoes. He is saying my son's not a hired He is saying my son's not a hired He is saying my son's not a hired servant. This is my son. This is a servant. This is my son. This is a servant. This is my son. This is a statement about identity. And of course, when we come to faith in And of course, when we come to faith in Jesus, we're given a new identity. Jesus, we're given a new identity. Jesus, we're given a new identity. Second Corinthians 5:17 talks about Second Corinthians 5:17 talks about Second Corinthians 5:17 talks about this. Says, "If anyone is in Christ, he this. Says, "If anyone is in Christ, he this. Says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Behold, the old has is a new creation. Behold, the old has is a new creation. Behold, the old has gone, and what happens?

gone, and what happens? gone, and what happens? The new has come. We're made into a new The new has come. We're made into a new The new has come. We're made into a new creation. creation. creation. A new creation. A new creation. A new creation. Given a new identity. Are we going to Given a new identity. Are we going to Given a new identity. Are we going to still need to Are we still going to sin? still need to Are we still going to sin? still need to Are we still going to sin? Yes. Are we going to still need to Yes. Are we going to still need to Yes. Are we going to still need to confess sin? Yes. confess sin? Yes. confess sin? Yes. But we have a a new identity in Christ. But we have a a new identity in Christ. But we have a a new identity in Christ. A and and now the Holy Spirit is in us. A and and now the Holy Spirit is in us. A and and now the Holy Spirit is in us. And the Holy Spirit is working to to And the Holy Spirit is working to to And the Holy Spirit is working to to change and mold us over time so that we change and mold us over time so that we change and mold us over time so that we are becoming more and more like Jesus in are becoming more and more like Jesus in are becoming more and more like Jesus in our attitudes and our actions. our attitudes and our actions. our attitudes and our actions. I don't know about you, but that makes I don't know about you, but that makes I don't know about you, but that makes me speechless. me speechless. me speechless. We have a new righteousness, a new We have a new righteousness, a new We have a new righteousness, a new authority, a new identity. And then last authority, a new identity. And then last authority, a new identity. And then last says that the father killed the fatted says that the father killed the fatted says that the father killed the fatted calf. Do you see that? calf. Do you see that? calf. Do you see that? This is incredible because we don't just This is incredible because we don't just This is incredible because we don't just see speechless restoration here. We see see speechless restoration here. We see see speechless restoration here. We see a speechless relationship.

a speechless relationship. a speechless relationship. How many of you have maybe been to a How many of you have maybe been to a How many of you have maybe been to a fancy restaurant that was farm to table? fancy restaurant that was farm to table? fancy restaurant that was farm to table? Anybody? Anybody? Anybody? Guess I'm the only one. Okay, Guess I'm the only one. Okay, Guess I'm the only one. Okay, they exist out there. they exist out there. they exist out there. This is the original farmtotable because the father is taking his son because the father is taking his son from the pig farm and bringing him to from the pig farm and bringing him to from the pig farm and bringing him to his table. his table. his table. So if you want to think about it using So if you want to think about it using So if you want to think about it using today's language, this is the OG. Okay? today's language, this is the OG. Okay? today's language, this is the OG. Okay? A and now the son has fellowship with A and now the son has fellowship with A and now the son has fellowship with the father, intimacy with the father. the father, intimacy with the father. the father, intimacy with the father. They're in relationship together. They're in relationship together. They're in relationship together. And there's intimacy there. There's And there's intimacy there. There's And there's intimacy there. There's closeness there. closeness there. closeness there. And so, not only is there a new And so, not only is there a new And so, not only is there a new righteousness, a new identity, but now righteousness, a new identity, but now righteousness, a new identity, but now there's a new relationship. there's a new relationship. there's a new relationship. And that's what the father wants to have And that's what the father wants to have And that's what the father wants to have with you. with you. with you. He wants to be close to you. He wants He wants to be close to you. He wants He wants to be close to you. He wants you to know him. He wants to spend time you to know him. He wants to spend time you to know him. He wants to spend time with you.

And so I ask you again, what's keeping And so I ask you again, what's keeping you you you from coming to the father? What's keeping you from running back to What's keeping you from running back to the father? the father? the father? You the the truth of it is all of us in You the the truth of it is all of us in You the the truth of it is all of us in here are prodigals. Small ways or big here are prodigals. Small ways or big here are prodigals. Small ways or big ways, it doesn't really matter, but ways, it doesn't really matter, but ways, it doesn't really matter, but we're all prodigals. All of us in one we're all prodigals. All of us in one we're all prodigals. All of us in one way or another need to come back to the way or another need to come back to the way or another need to come back to the father this morning. father this morning. father this morning. You know, the the truth and the reality You know, the the truth and the reality You know, the the truth and the reality is that some of you out there, is that some of you out there, is that some of you out there, you find yourself in a far away land. you find yourself in a far away land. you find yourself in a far away land. You've drifted far from God. You've drifted far from God. You've drifted far from God. Like the prodigal, you grew up with the Like the prodigal, you grew up with the Like the prodigal, you grew up with the father. father. father. You grew up in the church, maybe even You grew up in the church, maybe even You grew up in the church, maybe even went to Bible college. went to Bible college. went to Bible college. But over time, you've drifted But over time, you've drifted But over time, you've drifted and your heart is far from God, far from and your heart is far from God, far from and your heart is far from God, far from the father. And the invitation today is the father. And the invitation today is the father. And the invitation today is to come home.

to come home. to come home. The father loves you. He's waiting. He's The father loves you. He's waiting. He's The father loves you. He's waiting. He's inviting you. inviting you. inviting you. Others of you in here, you're trapped in Others of you in here, you're trapped in Others of you in here, you're trapped in your own reckless living. your own reckless living. your own reckless living. The reality is that you've set a course The reality is that you've set a course The reality is that you've set a course out there and you are pursuing a life. out there and you are pursuing a life. out there and you are pursuing a life. And you sit here today and you feel And you sit here today and you feel And you sit here today and you feel empty. empty. empty. You feel lonely. You feel lonely. You feel lonely. And you know that the life you're And you know that the life you're And you know that the life you're pursuing is a dead end. pursuing is a dead end. pursuing is a dead end. And the father is inviting you to come And the father is inviting you to come And the father is inviting you to come home home home to know his love to experience his to know his love to experience his to know his love to experience his forgiveness. And he can help you put the forgiveness. And he can help you put the forgiveness. And he can help you put the broken pieces of your life back broken pieces of your life back broken pieces of your life back together. Only the father can do that. together. Only the father can do that. together. Only the father can do that. He has the power to do that. Listen, He has the power to do that. Listen, He has the power to do that. Listen, others of you, you sit here today and others of you, you sit here today and others of you, you sit here today and the truth is you're in a pigsty of your the truth is you're in a pigsty of your the truth is you're in a pigsty of your own doing. own doing. own doing. It's your choices, your decisions that It's your choices, your decisions that It's your choices, your decisions that have you in life right where you are have you in life right where you are have you in life right where you are today. today. today. And you know that.

And you know that. And you know that. But those decisions and choices don't But those decisions and choices don't But those decisions and choices don't have to define your life. You can come have to define your life. You can come have to define your life. You can come back to the father today back to the father today back to the father today and find grace and forgiveness and hope. and find grace and forgiveness and hope. and find grace and forgiveness and hope. Come to the father. Maybe you're lonely. Maybe you're Maybe you're lonely. Maybe you're broken. broken. broken. Maybe you're trapped in an addiction. Maybe you're trapped in an addiction. Maybe you're trapped in an addiction. The invitation is the same for all of us The invitation is the same for all of us The invitation is the same for all of us is to come home to the father. And is to come home to the father. And is to come home to the father. And listen, I'm this is just one prodigal listen, I'm this is just one prodigal listen, I'm this is just one prodigal talking to another prodigal. talking to another prodigal. talking to another prodigal. We all got to come home today. Some of We all got to come home today. Some of We all got to come home today. Some of us in small ways and other ways big us in small ways and other ways big us in small ways and other ways big ways, but we all need to come home to ways, but we all need to come home to ways, but we all need to come home to the father. And I'm going to invite you the father. And I'm going to invite you the father. And I'm going to invite you today, friend. today, friend. today, friend. Listen, if you need to talk to someone, Listen, if you need to talk to someone, Listen, if you need to talk to someone, someone to pray with you and encourage someone to pray with you and encourage someone to pray with you and encourage you in some way, you don't know what you in some way, you don't know what you in some way, you don't know what your next step is or even how to find your next step is or even how to find your next step is or even how to find your way to the father, myself and some your way to the father, myself and some your way to the father, myself and some other pastors will be available in the other pastors will be available in the other pastors will be available in the connection center. We'd love to talk connection center. We'd love to talk connection center. We'd love to talk with you about that, help you take that with you about that, help you take that with you about that, help you take that step. Listen, years ago as a prodigal, I step. Listen, years ago as a prodigal, I step. Listen, years ago as a prodigal, I I had to take that step myself. And what I had to take that step myself. And what I had to take that step myself. And what I found was love and forgiveness and I found was love and forgiveness and I found was love and forgiveness and grace and mercy. And you can, too.

grace and mercy. And you can, too. grace and mercy. And you can, too. And here in a moment after I pray, we're And here in a moment after I pray, we're And here in a moment after I pray, we're going to sing a song. I'm glad we're going to sing a song. I'm glad we're going to sing a song. I'm glad we're singing this song. The title of the song singing this song. The title of the song singing this song. The title of the song is the prodigal. Guess what? This is is the prodigal. Guess what? This is is the prodigal. Guess what? This is your song. your song. your song. This is the song of your life. It's the This is the song of your life. It's the This is the song of your life. It's the song of my life. Let's sing it with song of my life. Let's sing it with song of my life. Let's sing it with gusto. Because the great part of this gusto. Because the great part of this gusto. Because the great part of this song is the grace and the mercy and the song is the grace and the mercy and the song is the grace and the mercy and the forgiveness that can be found in Jesus forgiveness that can be found in Jesus forgiveness that can be found in Jesus for every prodigal including you, for every prodigal including you, for every prodigal including you, including me. Let's pray together. Father, one thing I know in a room like Father, one thing I know in a room like this, because I know it in my own life, and even in some big ways, and even in some big ways, many of us many of us many of us find ourselves today find ourselves today find ourselves today far from you.

far from you. far from you. Maybe it doesn't look like that on the Maybe it doesn't look like that on the Maybe it doesn't look like that on the outside, but on the inside, at the outside, but on the inside, at the outside, but on the inside, at the heart, where it really matters. heart, where it really matters. heart, where it really matters. We've run away from you. We've run away from you. We've run away from you. And the invitation in this parable, in And the invitation in this parable, in And the invitation in this parable, in this story, is to come home, to come this story, is to come home, to come this story, is to come home, to come back to you, to run to the father. back to you, to run to the father. back to you, to run to the father. So in this moment, we do just that. We lay before you our sin. We lay before you our sin. We lay before you our lives We lay before you our lives We lay before you our lives and we run back to you. We give you all and we run back to you. We give you all and we run back to you. We give you all of ourselves, of ourselves, of ourselves, all of our life. all of our life. all of our life. And we know if we come back to you, what And we know if we come back to you, what And we know if we come back to you, what we will be met with is love, we will be met with is love, we will be met with is love, compassion, grace, forgiveness, compassion, grace, forgiveness, compassion, grace, forgiveness, and Lord, that even you can restore the and Lord, that even you can restore the and Lord, that even you can restore the broken parts of our life. You can redeem broken parts of our life. You can redeem broken parts of our life. You can redeem that.

that. that. There are some today who have never come home to the father. who have never come home to the father. Listen, friend, if that's you today, I Listen, friend, if that's you today, I Listen, friend, if that's you today, I want to invite you to do that in this want to invite you to do that in this want to invite you to do that in this moment. The father loves you. He's inviting you. The father loves you. He's inviting you. He wants to extend forgiveness to you. He wants to extend forgiveness to you. He wants to extend forgiveness to you. Would you open up your heart and life to Would you open up your heart and life to Would you open up your heart and life to Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? Jesus is the only one where you can find Jesus is the only one where you can find Jesus is the only one where you can find the forgiveness of your sins. He's the the forgiveness of your sins. He's the the forgiveness of your sins. He's the only one that can put the pieces of your only one that can put the pieces of your only one that can put the pieces of your life together. Would you just say, life together. Would you just say, life together. Would you just say, "Father, "Father, "Father, I need Jesus. I need Jesus. I need Jesus. Jesus, I need you. Would Jesus, I need you. Would Jesus, I need you. Would you be the forgiver of my sins? Would you be the forgiver of my sins? Would you be the forgiver of my sins? Would you be the leader of my life? I I need you be the leader of my life? I I need you be the leader of my life? I I need you. you. you. Would you do that in faith today, Would you do that in faith today, Would you do that in faith today, friend? Listen, we all need to run back to the Listen, we all need to run back to the father. Let's do that together today father. Let's do that together today father. Let's do that together today in Jesus name. Amen.

in Jesus name. Amen. in Jesus name. Amen. Thanks again for listening to the word Thanks again for listening to the word Thanks again for listening to the word of God. We are [music] blessed to reach of God. We are [music] blessed to reach of God. We are [music] blessed to reach you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're needing prayer or you want to [music] needing prayer or you want to [music] needing prayer or you want to [music] talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at fellowshipar.com/cont. fellowshipar.com/cont. fellowshipar.com/cont. [music] [music] [music] Have a great week.